Pride and Prejudice

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I first met Deb, she told me that her favorite show was "Pride and Prejudice." So, one Sunday afternoon, Deb set me down in front of the TV and popped in the BBC video. I watched it and when it ended I said, "Is that the end?" She said no that there were several more episodes. Although she wanted to watch them all right then, I told her no. So over the next few Sundays, we watched the entire series. Watching Deb watch the show was a treat in itself. She absolutely loves the series. Then, I one Saturday, I noticed the book and decided to read it while the girls enjoyed story hour at the library. It took a while, but I finally got through it. Since the BBC series is so close to the actual book, it held no surprises for me. As I read the book, I saw the scenes being acted out just as they are done in the series.

I really did enjoy the book. I think, however, that having seen the series before reading it helped me follow along.

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A Princess of Mars

A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I heard that the Disney movie, John Carter, was based on a novel, I decided to find the novel and read it. I was surprised that the author was Edgar Rice Burroughs of Tarzan fame. When I first started reading the book, I had a hard time with it. The story is about John Carter, from Virginia, who is somehow transported to Mars. I know what Mars is like, and basing a story on the planet with living beings seem far-fetched. However, as I read the book, the more became intrigued. I found the story compelling and interesting. I wanted to know what would happen next to John Carter.

I have not seen the movie, and based on some reviews, I may not want to see it. If the movie is somewhat faithful to the book, then I will probably enjoy it.

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Treasure Island

Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I recall either reading this book in school, or having one of my teachers read it to me. However, I did not remember the details. As I read the book, it was something brand new to me. I found the story compelling, and I can now see how young boys would love to be a part of the story. To be the young Jim Hawkins would be the dream of many young boys. Alas, if I could be part of a treasure story, I would do it in a heartbeat!

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President Monson's Biography

To the Rescue: The Biography of Thomas S. Monson by Heidi S. Swinton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Throughout the years, I have greatly enjoyed the addresses that I have heard from President Monson. However, reading this book brought to me new insights into the spirituality of this great leader. It astounds me what he is able to do. President Monson embodies President Kimball's "Lengthen your stride; quicken your pace." For anyone that believes that President Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God, this is a must read.

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The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I have grown up watching "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz." In fact, I have seen it more times the last few years with my daughters. I have always loved the movie. So, I decided to read the book. I knew that Hollywood will make changes in story lines to fit the time-frame of a movie and some movies are drastically different from the book (see Jurassic Park and Lost World). I was somewhat surprised at how different the book is to the movie. After having read the book, I think I like the movie better. Many scenes were lifted from the book, but many scenes from the book were left out of the movie. All in all, though, I would say the book is good.

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